Birch Bark Backing

[CCopland]

I would like to back one of my self bows with birch bark. There are several downed birch trees on my place and I have stripped some clean bark from them. I am having a very difficult time trying to get a paper thin layer off the bark.

Is there a trick to getting it off that thin? I end up tearing the thin layers. Would steaming separate the layers? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Colin

[jameswoodmot]

I’ve just sat down to try and find an answer for just this. I was reading a thread the other day and a guy gave a good explanation of how to do it but now I can’t find it.

I think the main thing to remember is that birch bark varies a lot and some is not suitable. It is thicker in colder climates and some has far more of the little black lines that cause it to tear.im sure it said in this thread to soak for 2 hours and then bring to a simmer to apply it but I don’t think that was to separate it

 I’ll keep searching to find that thread.

[Robert Pougnier]

I've had good look with steaming the pieces for about 1-2 minutes and then splitting in half over and over until I've reached the desired thickness. I believe boiling them would work as well though would increase the difficulty handling them.

I've had better luck cutting fairly long two inch wide strips and splitting them after that. If the bark starts to cool while you are peeling put it back in the steam. I found it a little time consuming but if the strips are relatively free of blackened bark or knots it goes pretty quick and you end up with very nice single layers of the material. They are very thin and pliable.

[jameswoodmot]

Have a look at my sinew bow thread I did a little explanation on how I went about the bark

[Doug509]

I found that steam made the birch bark flexible but at the same time curl up tight like a cinnamon stick.  A heat gun worked much better.  2" wide strips then use a finger nail to start lifting up a layer.  It should separate easily from there to peel apart with 2 hands.  Also helps to put heat gun in a vise so you can heat and peel with two hands.  Any scabs on the surface wil lead to a break.  You want a clear and smooth surface.